Food poisoning, also known as food-borne illness, arises when a person eats a contaminated food. According to the Mayo Clinic, infants and young children are at higher risk for food poisoning than healthy adults because their digestive systems haven't fully developed. Many cases of food poisoning resolve themselves within several days. Since children are at risk for serious complications such as dehydration, a doctor's guidance is recommended.
Diarrhea
After a child ingests a contaminated food, his or her body will react negatively to rid the body of the toxins. One way the body achieves this is through diarrhea, or loose, frequent stools. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, diarrhea generally occurs within four to 36 hours of eating the contaminated substance. Severe or persistent diarrhea is a major risk factor for dehydration. When diarrhea reaches this point, medical care or hospitalization may be necessary to replenish fluids.
Nausea and Vomiting
Vomiting is another common way a child's body may react to food poisoning. This symptom may also arise within four to 36 hours and usually dissipates within several days. As with diarrhea, vomiting increases a child's risk for dehydration and need for hospital care. In most cases, nausea occurs before a child vomits, while the body is preparing to detoxify. Medications and lifestyle remedies, such as ginger or sucking ice cubes, may help alleviate nausea. If blood appears in a child's vomit, a doctor's attention is suggested.
Stomach Cramps
Stomach cramps are a common symptom of food poisoning in children. The cramps may worsen just before episodes of diarrhea or vomiting. Severity of pain varies among children experiencing food poisoning. In some cases, doctors prescribe or suggest pain-relieving medications or other techniques. Since stomach cramps may indicate a range of potentially serious conditions, medical guidance is recommended if cramps are severe, persistent or occur on their own, without other signs or symptoms of food poisoning.
Fever
Children may develop a fever in response to food poisoning. Such fever may persist throughout the endurance of the condition or from one to 10 days. Oral temperature that exceeds higher 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit may require medical attention.
